In this section, the editorial team interviews Fox employees about the extensive knowledge and support they offer students and alumni. Here, our faculty and staff share how their career at the Fox School has had a lasting impact on faculty and student lives, transcending the academic setting.
As an “adopted Philadelphian,” Janis Moore Campbell, senior director of graduate student professional development for the Center for Student Professional Development (CSPD), has rooted her career in the success of Fox students and the social advancement of Philadelphia. She instills in her students the importance of honing their distinctive skills for a successful career well beyond the business industry.
What led you to focus your career on student professional development?
Working in professional development is the result of a long series of happy accidents and some “Lemony Snicket” not-so-happy events. A wide range of prior roles in hospitality, human resource management, corporate training and federal service has provided me with the insight and skills to help students leverage their unique differences and more effectively present themselves.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you have received?
“Share generously and you will reap abundantly.” 2 Corinthians 9:6
The most valuable piece of advice you have given?
“Be so good, they can’t ignore you.” Comedian Steve Martin
How do your passions intersect with your work?
December 2020 will mark my 20th year at the Fox School. But working in higher education makes me feel young. In fact, the college campus is the perfect environment for the intellectually curious. I enjoy scanning the ecosystem for what’s new, strive to be relevant and completely agree with whoever stated that, “nothing really is work unless you would rather be doing something else.” Students, alumni, colleagues and CSPD corporate partners tell me I “add value” and I can live off of that compliment for years.
What are your interests outside of work?
Although I was born and raised in New York, many decades ago, I adopted Philadelphia. I am active in the region’s lively cultural arts scene and serve on a few nonprofit boards that focus on social justice initiatives to alleviate economic and social inequity.